Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 hrs ago
Respiratory infections are returning as France prepares for RSV season
As winter approaches, flu and Covid-19 are circulating in France, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is expected to become more common.
RSV can cause bronchiolitis in young children, as well as respiratory illness in adults, and can send older or vulnerable people to hospital.
France offers vaccination to pregnant women after 32 weeks of pregnancy, so antibodies can pass to the baby, and newborns can receive an antibody injection if their mother was not vaccinated.
RSV vaccines are also available for older people, though in France they are covered by public health insurance at a hospital but not in community settings.
Testing is needed to tell flu, Covid-19 and a common cold apart, and some tests can detect flu and Covid-19 together.
People with symptoms are advised to wear a mask around others, especially older or vulnerable people, while flu vaccination and yearly Covid-19 boosters are recommended for protection.
Respiratory infections are circulating again in France as autumn advances.
In November, influenza and Covid-19 are present at low levels, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is expected to emerge.
France is in the pre-epidemic phase for RSV and is preparing for the season.
RSV can cause bronchiolitis in young children and respiratory illness in adults, with greater risks for older or vulnerable people.
Professor Bruno Crestani says testing is needed to distinguish a cold, influenza and Covid-19.
- Who
- People in France, especially young children, older people and others who are medically vulnerable.
- What
- Respiratory infections are circulating again, and France is preparing for the expected emergence of RSV.
- When
- November 2026. The article was published on 8 November 2026.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- Seasonal respiratory viruses are circulating, and RSV is expected to emerge; the sources do not state a further cause.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Influenza and Covid-19 are present at low levels, while RSV is expected to emerge.
franceinfo published its report on the return of respiratory infections and preparations for RSV.
- Current phase
- France is in the pre-epidemic phase for RSV
- Expected virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Influenza and Covid-19
- Both present at low levels in November
- Expert
- Bruno Crestani, head of pulmonology at Bichat Hospital in Paris
- Publication date
- 8 November 2026
What people are saying
For the moment, there is a small amount of influenza, a small amount of Covid. We can feel that RSV is going to emerge.
We are classified as being in the pre-epidemic phase, so we are preparing.
You cannot tell the difference on your own. You have to take a test.
This is the best protection we can have today.